BMW’s New X5 Protection VR6 Is A Subtle Yet Effective Armored Beast

The armored BMW X5 Protection VR6 looks pretty much identical to the standard model

Oligarchs, presidents, and successful businesspeople can breathe a sigh of relief with BMW’s launch of the new X5 Protection VR6, its latest armored SUV that may look like any normal X5 but is anything but.

The car manufacturer has equipped the body of the X5 with armored steel and bulletproof safety glass. Key elements made from high-strength steel include the doors, side frame, roof, and bulkhead while armoring also extends across the underbody. The SUV also comes standard with a self-sealing fuel tank with a special casing to ensure it cannot be pierced by a bullet.

A number of other upgrades have been made to the X5. These include the fitment of an intercom system, flashing LED lights that have been incorporated into the grille, flashing rear lights, and roof-mounted light beacons. There is also a new roof antenna and a receiver for a digital two-way radio.

Unlike many other armored vehicles on the market, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 looks pretty much identical to a standard X5. It comes standard with gloss black wing mirror caps, black BMW Individual roof rails and can be optioned in a number of standard or BMW Individual paint finishes.

Read: View The Facelifted BMW X5 And X6 From Every Angle In New Mega Gallery

The cabin of the armored X5 is just as well-equipped as a regular model, although it is sold exclusively as a four-seater. It comes complete with the BMW Curved Display that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. It also has four-zone automatic climate control, sport seats clad in Merino leather, and can be optioned with electrically adjustable comfort seats with active seat ventilation and a massage function.

Powering the X5 Protection VR6 is BMW’s familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 working alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce a combined 530 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. It is also equipped with adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential, and active roll stabilization.

BMW says that the first deliveries of the armored X5 will start in February 2024 and that it will debut at September’s IAA Mobility show in Munich.